Silver Lime
Tilia tomentosa
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Pl. E773 — Tilia tomentosa
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IOverview
Overview
Silver Lime (Tilia tomentosa) is a deciduous tree native to southeastern Europe and the eastern Mediterranean region. Known for its ornamental value and edible leaves, this plant thrives in light, medium, or heavy soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It can grow up to 25 meters tall and is adaptable to various habitats including Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Lebanon-Syria, Romania, Turkey, and Ukraine. One distinctive feature of the Silver Lime is its light, silvery-white undersides on the leaves, which give it a unique appearance. The tree's edible parts include its leaves, making it a valuable addition to landscapes and gardens in suitable climates.
Quick answers
What is Silver Lime?
Silver Lime (Tilia tomentosa) is a deciduous tree native to southeastern Europe and the eastern Mediterranean region. Known for its ornamental value and edible leaves, this plant thrives in light, medium, or heavy soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.
What is Silver Lime used for?
Traditionally used for better sleep. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Silver Lime
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Silver Lime appears in herbal sources around evening relaxation and bedtime routines, often as a tea. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original moderate confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Silver Lime support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Silver Lime thrives in light to moist soils that are well-draining but can tolerate heavier clay soils as long as they are not waterlogged. It prefers a pH between 5.5 and 6.5 and is hardy in temperate regions with zones ranging from 4 to 7. This tree requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. Water the plant regularly, especially during dry periods, but avoid overwatering. Propagate through seed or hardwood cuttings. The leaves are edible and can be used fresh or dried.
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-7
Habit
Tree
Mature size
25.0 m tall
Soil pH
5.5–6.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Silver Lime for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple Silver Lime tree to learn about growing trees from scratch.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Silver Lime sapling, well-draining soil, and a large container or planting space.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the ground is moist but not waterlogged.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil has a pH between 5.5 and 6.5, which can be tested with a home kit or professional service.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant your sapling into a larger pot if in a container, or dig a hole twice as wide but not deeper than the root ball for planting directly in the ground.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Avoid direct sunlight and strong winds during this period.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water deeply once a week, especially during dry spells. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced organic fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to maintain shape and remove any dead or diseased branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting regular watering during dry periods, using chemical fertilizers, and not providing enough space for growth.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Condiment, Tea
Other uses:FiberFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
11 native · 4 introduced
Distribution
11 native · 4 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 11 native· 4 introduced
Europe8 regions
native (6)AlbaniaBulgariaGreeceHungaryRomaniaUkraine
introduced (2)AustriaSpain
Asia2 regions
native (1)Turkey
introduced (1)Uzbekistan
Broader regions
native:Yugoslavia, East Aegean Is., Lebanon-Syria, Turkey-in-Europe
introduced:Czechoslovakia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
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